Pia Generetto’s sublime finish could end up being the best goal of this Women’s World Cup. Brazil confirmed their claim to the title with a 4-0 thrashing of Panama on Monday.
Ari Borges scored a hat-trick on his World Cup debut, but his assist for Jannerato’s second-half goal in Adelaide was easily the highlight of the tournament so far.
When Debinha’s cross was at the feet of Borges, the striker – who had scored twice in the first half – was the third after a brilliant turn of the ball. But she looked around, brushed past the sprawling Panamanian defender and made way for Generato, who spiked the ball into the top corner.
Brazilian joco bonito was in all its glory.
Immediately after Germany’s 6-0 thrashing of Morocco, Bia Sundage’s men made it clear they had come with the intention of being crowned world champions for the first time.
“The first game is always tough. We scored four goals and played at a high level for some passages”, said Swedish Sundage, perhaps putting more cool clothes on his team’s performance.
The tournament’s absolute favorites Panama were the 2007 runners-up and had their hands full before being pushed in front by a ruthless Borges goal.
Borges put Verdemarela ahead on 19 minutes when he headed in Debinha’s cross from close range.
Generato was third after the restart, the result of a series of withering passes by the Brazilian.
Borges scored his third goal in the 70s with another header.
“I’ve waited so long for this moment. It’s a dream to live in the World Cup”, said Borges. “This is one of the best days of my career. I’m very happy for all three of them, but the most important thing is that it’s an introduction where we know how to impose our power.”
Marta, the legendary Brazilian, came on in the second half, making his sixth appearance at the World Cup. The 37-year-old attacker is the top scorer at the World Cup with 17 wins.
Borges has a long way to go to reach that mark, but he started off on the right foot.
Next up, Brazil face France in Brisbane on Saturday and a win will ensure their place in the round of 16. Panama will face Jamaica in Perth on the same day. France and Jamaica played out a 0-0 draw on Sunday.
